Fishing in Puntarenas Costa Rica

Arriving in Puntarenas at 6:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day felt fitting for what would become one of Bob’s favorite stops of our world cruise.

This day was all about fishing in Costa Rica — something Bob had been looking forward to for months after booking through Fishing Booker. Another passenger, Joshua, joined us, making three anglers total. Our vessel? A simple 26-foot panga-style boat with a 115-hp engine and canopy top.

No Air conditioning.
No luxury sportfishing yacht. No fighting chairs
Just us, the captain, a mate, and the open Pacific.

And honestly, that made it even better.

🚕 New Year’s Morning in Puntarenas

Just after 6:30 a.m., we walked the long pier into town. The streets told the story of the previous night’s celebrations — New Year’s Eve debris scattered about and locals lingering near the beach after camping overnight to ring in the new year.

We grabbed a taxi for the mile-and-a-half ride to meet our captain near the harbor.

When we arrived, Captain José and his mate were already a few yards offshore catching live bait. They waved, brought the panga to shore, and we removed our shoes to wade out and climb aboard.

We would fish like the locals today.

🌊 Out into the Gulf of Nicoya

We headed west into the Gulf of Nicoya, a vast Pacific inlet dotted with lush green islands. The morning waters were choppy at first, bouncing us along until we cleared a few islands and reached calmer seas.

Bob’s goal? Roosterfish.

We trolled for about an hour in promising waters, but the roosters didn’t cooperate. I did what I consider my best fishing strategy — AirPods in, music on, and relaxing in the shade.

When trolling didn’t produce, we shifted tactics.

🎣 Grouper & Snapper Success

We moved into deeper waters — 100 to 400 feet — where the gulf begins transitioning toward open ocean.

Lines were dropped 200 feet down.

Within minutes, Bob was reeling in two fish at once — a Gold Gill Grouper and a Red Snapper. The rod bent hard, and it took several minutes to bring them up from the depths.

Then Joshua landed his pair.

Then it was my turn — and I brought up a solid grouper myself.

The fish were coming in doubles in this spot, and the excitement was contagious. After several successful catches, we headed offshore to try for Mahi Mahi.

🍋 Fresh Ceviche at Sea

On the way, Captain José sliced up one of the groupers and prepared fresh ceviche right there on the boat using lime juice and Worcestershire sauce.

That was lunch.

Simple. Fresh. Authentic.

They offered beer, soft drinks, rum, and fruit. We eventually enjoyed watermelon slices — not knowing they would soon serve a second purpose.

🌊 Slack Tide & A Surprise Encounter

By early afternoon, slack tide set in. We tried casting near a group of large rock formations known locally as the First Islands, but although small tuna were jumping everywhere, nothing was biting.

Then the captain shifted the plan.

We motored toward a tree-covered island. The mate cut more watermelon. When I asked what to do with the rind, Captain José told me to wait.

He pointed to movement in the trees.

Spider monkeys.

He tossed the watermelon rind toward the shoreline rocks — and within seconds, dozens of spider monkeys came scrambling down from the trees to feast.

It was surreal.

We had set out to fish — and ended up feeding monkeys on New Year’s Day in Costa Rica.

Another nearby boat joined in as children laughed and watched the scene unfold. It felt spontaneous, joyful, and uniquely Costa Rican.

🚶 Back to the Ship

We returned to shore mid-afternoon, paid the balance, tipped generously, and thanked Captain José and his mate.

There were no taxis waiting, so we walked nearly two miles back along the coastal road. The streets were alive with locals continuing their New Year’s celebrations, and the scent of street food filled the air.

We were hot and hungry, so instead of stopping, we headed straight back to the ship for a late lunch at the pool grill and a swim.

🌊 What a Day in Puntarenas

Fishing in Puntarenas wasn’t just about the fish.

It was about:

✔ Fishing like locals in a simple panga
✔ Fresh ceviche prepared at sea
✔ The beauty of the Gulf of Nicoya
✔ Feeding spider monkeys on New Year’s Day
✔ Experiencing Costa Rica’s pura vida culture firsthand

For Bob, it was a highlight.

For me, it was another reminder that the best travel moments are often the ones you never plan.